Selfdrive Routes in Australia

Starting in Melbourne
We have put together some popular and most interesting selfdrive ideas, starting in Melbourne. You do your own driving but enjoy the security of the pre-booked accommodation. We can also modify according to your needs. If you require something completely different, please remember that we can still help you pre-plan your own personalized itinerary (ask for a quotation). All itineraries can be done in reverse.

Beside these selfdrives, we have created the following selfdrive around Melbourne.

Western Victoria Drive (5 Days / 4 Nights / 2WD)
One of the world's most scenic drives is the Great Ocean Road, a breathtaking stretch of astonishing seascapes, landscapes and seaside towns. Journey highlights include spectacular surf beaches and popular resorts such as Lorne, a sophisticated town filled with fine restaurants, cafes and accommodation. West of Lorne lies Apollo Bay, a quiet fishing village and the gateway to the rainforest of Otway National Park.

Beyond brood the colossal natural sculptures of the southern coast, and during winter, the southern right whales at Warrnambool. Go back in time as you visit the whitewashed cottages of seafaring Port Fairy and walk its riverside dock.

Day 1 Melbourne to Lorne (170 kms) Travel to the Mornington Peninsula, backed up by the surf of Bass Strait. At Sullivan Bay and Sorrento, visit the site of Victoria's first official European settlement in 1803. Take the passenger ferry across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff. Visit Bells Beach at Torquay before travelling along the Great Ocean Road to Lorne which was the first area of "Natural Beauty and Special Significance" declared by the Victorian Government. Overnight: Lorne Main Beach Motor Inn.

Day 2 Lorne to Warnambool (240 kms) As the Otway Ranges meet Bass Straight, the Great Ocean Road weaves into the contours of steep cliffs overlooking the sea between Lorne and Cape Patton, hugging the coast to Apollo Bay. Generations of holiday makers would agree with Rudyard Kipling's description of Apollo Bay as "paradise". Continue to Warnambool which started life as a lighthouse sight, whaling and seal station. It was never a safe harbour and dozens of ships were lost between Warnambool and Port Fairy. On your way to Port Fairy visit Koroit, a centre for crafts, antiques, pottery and leadlighting. Port Fairy's colonial character has been faithfully preserved with itspubs, antique shops and restaurants housed in original Victorian buildings. Overnight: All Seasons Motor Inn Apartm.

Day 3 Port Fairy to Halls Gap (160 kms) The Grampians National Park offers spectacular views, luxuriant fern gullies, manmade lakes, famous wineries, rugged Australian bushland, fine wining and dining plus outdoor activities galore. Accommodation: BW Colonial Motor Inn.

Day 4 Halls Gap to Ballarat (190 kms) Depart to Ballarat in the heart of the Goldfields. Miners' cottages still line the street, along with the grander homes. In the city centre, historic Lydiard Street is lined with impressive Victorian buildings side by side with Italianate splendour with their arched windows and colonnades, popular architectural elements of the era. Take the time to visit nearby Sovereign Hill and see life as it was 100 years ago. Shops, businesses, even a trip down a mine present a fascinating insight into how our forebears lived. Overnight: The Ansonia Boutique Hotel.

Day 5 Ballarat to Melbourne (120kms) drop car and depart

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